Multivision Lecture by Reinhard Pantke - Cycling Through Northern Canada

From Vancouver on Canada's west coast, the journey first takes you to the diverse and sprawling Vancouver Island, which captivates with endless beaches, pristine rainforests, and idyllic villages. This is followed by a 750-kilometre stretch along the remote Stewart Cassiar Highway heading north into British Columbia. The presentation tells of endless expanses, encounters with wild bears and massive forest fires, as well as unusual meetings with fellow travellers and locals that can only be experienced in the wilderness of North America. The Yukon Territory alone is one and a half times the size of Germany, yet populated like a small town. Cycling hundreds of kilometres without towns or shops is certainly a real challenge, but also a unique and unforgettable nature experience. After a detour to mighty glaciers, mountain landscapes, and rainforests along the Inside Passage, the journey continued in the footsteps of gold prospectors to the legendary city of Dawson City on the Yukon River.

The road to Tuktoyaktuk, the northernmost town accessible by road in Canada, was hampered by enormous forest fires and exceptionally could not be cycled. On the final stretch to Anchorage, where the adventure ended after nearly 5,000 kilometres, mystical places like abandoned mining towns and vast national parks captivated Pantke. Aerial photographs of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Prince William Sound will impress you, as will all other glimpses into the breathtaking world of Canada and Alaska. Of course, there are also plenty of tips and ideas for your own travels.

Globetrotting cyclist Reinhard Pantke (born 1967) experiences his travel destinations exclusively by bicycle and backpack. In addition to cycling tours through Norway (17 times), Sweden, Iceland (3 times), Scotland, England, New Zealand (3 times), and some Pacific islands and the Canary Islands, he has also travelled through Canada and Alaska.